There’s few that know what success looks like in Perth than NBL legend Ricky Grace.<\/p>\n
During his 16-year tenure in Perth, the US import won four NBL championships and two Grand Final MVPs with the Wildcats.<\/p>\n
Now the four-time All-NBL First Team recipient has weighed in on the current state of the 10-time NBL champions.<\/p>\n
“If you look at the amount of cash being put into this club, the expectation [to win] should be there,” Grace said on Wednesday’s episode of NBL Now. <\/p>\n
“The Wildcats have always been a club that has delivered a high level, high standard product. So, we expect nothing less here in the west.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The now 59-year-old also commented on the type of player John Rillie’s squad needs to replace the recently released Mason Jones.<\/p>\n
“They need a Ricky Grace, [but] they don’t grow on trees,” he said.<\/p>\n
The Wildcats are inside the top six, just, but are sitting precariously after a pair of disappointing losses in Round 5.<\/p>\n
The loss of Dylan Windler makes things even more challenging, particularly with a road game against Cairns and a clash against the reigning champions Illawarra this week.<\/p>\n
While being critical of his former side, the University of Oklahoma alum had high praise for another NBL team.<\/p>\n
“I’m not a betting man, but for the first time, I almost went in my wallet and put some money on Melbourne United to win this whole thing,” he said. “They are possibly the best team I’ve ever seen in the NBL.”<\/p>\n
The Wildcats return to the court on Wednesday night, playing the Taipans at the Cairns Convention Centre.<\/p>\n
The Ignite Cup clash tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.<\/p>\n
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